Build an emergency plan for every pet in your household

Make one short profile for every animal: name, species, description, current photograph, identification, feeding routine, mobility, containment method, behavior under stress, veterinarian, and backup caregiver. Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, fish, small mammals, and other animals need species-specific planning rather than a single generic pet checklist.

Keep collars and tags current where they are appropriate, and keep microchip registration current when an animal is microchipped. Identification methods vary by species. Ask a veterinarian or knowledgeable species professional which methods are safe and useful rather than adapting equipment meant for another animal.

Record the minimum information a backup caregiver needs, but minimize sensitive data. PrepperGo can store basic pet and ration inputs; it is not a veterinary record system and should not become the only copy of prescriptions, vaccination records, ownership documents, or emergency contacts.

Keep a correctly sized carrier, leash, harness, transport enclosure, or other species-appropriate restraint where it can be reached quickly. Label carriers with the animal and owner contact information. Practice ordinary, reward-based carrier entry before an emergency rather than forcing the first attempt during one.

CDC advises pet owners to know where an animal may hide when frightened and to practice getting the animal to safety. An injured or frightened animal may bite or scratch. Move slowly, keep your face away from an injured animal’s mouth, and do not put yourself or another person at unreasonable risk.

Do not infer a transport setup for a reptile, amphibian, fish, bird, or small mammal from dog or cat guidance. CDC notes that reptiles and amphibians require specialized care and specific habitat conditions. Ask an exotic-animal veterinarian or other qualified species professional for a written continuity plan before attempting improvised heating, cooling, sedation, or transfer.

CDC’s pet checklist includes food, water, dishes, a manual can opener when needed, feeding instructions, medication and instructions when applicable, leash or harness, a carrier, records, cleaning supplies, and familiar bedding or toys. Treat official quantities as a planning baseline to discuss with your veterinarian, not a command to obtain medication outside lawful prescribing and refill rules.

Keep medications in their dispensed containers and follow the veterinarian’s storage and dosing instructions. Do not substitute human medication, change a dose, extend an expired prescription, or use antibiotics or sedatives without veterinary direction. Pet first aid does not replace veterinary care.

Rotate food and water your animal normally tolerates. For animals that eat live, frozen, fresh, or highly perishable diets, ask the veterinarian or species professional for a safe outage and evacuation alternative. Never assume a product labeled for dogs or cats is safe for another species.

Identify places that will accept your specific animals. Emergency shelters may have different rules for service animals, pets, livestock, exotics, or animals needing powered habitat equipment. Call prospective lodging, boarding facilities, shelters, or veterinary hospitals and record what you confirmed and when.

Create a buddy plan for a situation when you are away. The caregiver needs safe access, clear authority, carrier locations, animal handling instructions, and a destination. Confirm that the person is willing and able; a name in an app is not an agreement.

Practice a household drill with closed carriers or otherwise safely contained animals, then return them to normal conditions promptly. Follow official evacuation instructions. After an emergency, keep animals controlled because familiar scents and landmarks may have changed, and contact a veterinarian about injury, illness, distress, or medication disruption.